The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performed 9 of Beethoven's symphonies in February. I saw the 2nd and 7th symphonies conducted by local great Leonard Slatkin. Before each performance there is a complimentary lecture where the symphonies are discussed and the social climate during the time was discussed. The 7th symphony was dedicated to the men fighting Napoleon. Beethoven lost his hearing before he conducted the 2nd symphony. The 2nd symphony had a remarkable sound not heard before. At the lecture Beethoven's conducting style was discussed. After he lost his hearing he moved more forcefully and in intense sections he sometimes would yell. The 2nd symphony was in D major, Op. 36 and the 7th symphony was in A major, Op. 92. Distinctive and full of emotion the friday night program was enjoyed by all.

The OffBeats is a delightful comedy about three beat poets, LSD, McCarthyism, and roadtrippin'. Detroit, Allen Ginberg, poet teases, a log cabin bar called Abraham Drinkin', and a beatnik contest called the Ultimate Beatoff is referenced in this fun play. The playful and spirited banter between Bram, Mac, and Karl is most enjoyable. The slangisms are plentiful and the quirky songs are candid and hilarious timecapsule catalogs of fun. I enjoyed the ditty "Love is a Metaphor." This play is written and acted by Joe Hingelberg, Ryan Parmenter, Travis Pelto and James Quesada and directed by Lauren Bickers. The play will be performed every thursday at 10:00 pm at Go Comedy in Ferndale until April 4th.